FANTASY FOOTBALL: Week Fifteen Starters

As we head one step closer to the Super Bowl in fantasy football, we first have to get through this weekend’s games. Last weekend there were many surprises in the NFL, dropping many good fantasy football teams out of the playoffs. Here now, is a look at this week’s starters and some of the best players to start this weekend.

QUARTERBACKS-

1. Daunte Culpepper- This weekend, Culpepper and the Minnesota Vikings head to St. Louis to face the Rams. This should be a very high scoring game as both defenses give up a ton of yards. Look for Culpepper to throw early and often in this game, as he should top the 300 yard passing mark and throw for at least two scores.

2. Kurt Warner- Who would have ever thought Warner would have thrown for four interceptions without even throwing one touchdown pass last weekend. I for one, thought Warner would come out and have a superb game. That was not the case. This weekend, Warner and the Rams play host to the high powered Minnesota offense. This is a huge game for the St. Louis Rams. If they lose, their record will be a meager 8-6. Look for Warner to jump-start the Rams’ offense this weekend, as he should have close to 300 yards passing and two touchdowns.

Other Quality Starters-

Jeff George vs. Dallas Peyton Manning vs. Buffalo Rich Gannon vs. NY Jets

Sleeper of the Week-

Aaron Brooks- A good sleeper pick at quarterback this weekend could be Aaron Brooks of the New Orleans Saints. This weekend, Brooks and the Saints go to San Francisco to play the 49ers. Since Jeff Blake went down with an injury, Brooks has stepped in and done a wonderful job for the Saints. This weekend should be no different for Brooks, as he should have close to 225 yards passing and two scores.

RUNNING BACKS-

1. Marshall Faulk- Once again, Marshall Faulk was kept out of the end zone last weekend. However, Faulk did manage to get over 100 yards combined in that game. This weekend, Faulk and the Rams probably will play their most important game of the season. On Sunday, the NFC Central leading Minnesota Vikings come to town to play the Rams. This game is a must win for the Rams, so look for good totals from Faulk in this game. For the Rams to even have a chance in this game, both Faulk and Warner have to play great game. Look for Faulk to once again have over 150 total yards and WILL score at least once in this game.

2. Fred Taylor- What a game Fred Taylor had last weekend. In that game, Taylor rushed for over 180 yards and had three touchdowns. This weekend, Taylor and the Jaguars play host to the Arizona Cardinals. Just like last weekend, another good game is in store for Taylor. Look for Taylor to have close to 150 total yards and at least one score.

Other Quality Starters-

Stephen Davis vs. Dallas Edgerrin James vs. Buffalo Robert Smith vs. St. Louis

Sleeper of the Week-

Darnell Autry- This weekend, Autry and the Philadelphia Eagles go to Cleveland to play the Browns. This should be a good game for Autry and the playoff bound Philadelphia Eagles. The Browns have the 30th ranked defense in the NFL, giving up an average of 160 yards rushing a game. Look for Autry to have close to 100 yards rushing and have one score.

WIDE RECEIVERS-

1. Randy Moss- Once again, Randy Moss should have another great game this weekend. This weekend, Moss and the Minnesota Vikings head to St. Louis to face the Rams. This game will surely be a high scoring event, so you could start just about anyone from either of these two teams. Look for Moss to shine in this game, as he should have close to 150 yards receiving and two scores.

2. Marvin Harrison- This Monday night, Harrison and the Indianapolis Colts play host to the Buffalo Bills in an AFC East showdown. Harrison should do very well this Monday night, as the Colts’ playoffs hopes are riding on this game. Look for Manning, Harrison and James to all have big impacts in this game. For Harrison, he should top the 100-yard receiving mark and have at least one score.

Other Quality Starters-

Isaac Bruce vs. Minnesota Cris Carter vs. St. Louis Joe Horn vs. San Francisco

Sleeper of the Week-

Derrick Mason- Another good sleeper pick this weekend could be Derrick Mason of the Tennessee Titans. The Titans face an awful defense in the Cincinnati Bengals this weekend. Mason probably won’t have many yards receiving, however, he should still have at least one score.

TIGHT ENDS-

1. Frank Wycheck- There are a couple of great starts this weekend at the tight end position. One is Frank Wycheck going up against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Titans should be able to score ample points in this game, with both Wycheck and Eddie George leading the way. Look for Wycheck to post good numbers in this game, as he should have at least 50 yards receiving and one score.

2. Tony Gonzalez- This weekend, Gonzalez and the Kansas City Chiefs play host to the Carolina Panthers. Last Monday night against the New England Patriots, Gonzalez was used early and often in that game. Look for Gonzalez to have another good game, as he should have at least 50 yards receiving and one score.

Other Quality Starters-

Jay Riemersma vs. Indianapolis Chad Lewis vs. Cleveland Shannon Sharpe vs. San Diego

Sleeper of the Week-

Stephen Alexander- Stephen Alexander really hasn’t done much this season, however, that could change this weekend with the firing of head coach Norv Turner and the possibility of the Redskins not making the playoffs this year. Earlier in the week, Jeff George was named the starter for this weekend’s game. With George being named the starter at quarterback and the Redskins playing an injury depleted Cowboys’ defense, Alexander should have a decent game. Look for Alexander to score once and have around 40 yards receiving.

DEFENSES AND SPECIAL TEAMS-

1. Baltimore- The Baltimore Ravens play host to the 1-12 San Diego Chargers this weekend. This start is pretty much self-explanatory.

2. Tennessee- The Titans play host to the Cincinnati Bengals this weekend at Adelphia Stadium. The Bengals’ offense will be lucky if they can get two touchdowns in this game.

Other Quality Starters-

Jacksonville vs. Arizona Philadelphia vs. Cleveland Miami vs. Tampa Bay

Sleeper of the Week-

Green Bay- The forecast for Sunday’s game in Green Bay is scattered snow showers with temperatures in the 20’s. You have to like this match-up.